Manuscript, anthology of practical kabbalah, Segulot and cures, amulets, Hashbaot and Goralot. [Italy, early 18th century].
Large anthology, in cursive Italian script, with handwritten additions by R. Refael Yeshayah Azulai, son of the Chida. Including kabbalistic illustrations, diagrams and decorations, most colored gray.
Fine illustrated title page, in the center of which is written: "I found an opportunity to compose a book of fine things, namely awesome secrets and amazing Segulot which I copied from several books…".
At the beginning of the manuscript (before the title page) is a "hundred-year calendar", in the handwriting of the scribe, beginning in 1707.
The anthology contains hundreds of paragraphs of Segulot and cures for various matters, Holy Names for protection and salvation, dream questions, amulet texts, Hashbaot for angels and demons, and more. Some contain charts with Holy Names, Angelic script and kabbalistic illustrations. On p. 39a, large drawing of a key, following the paragraph containing "the name of the key for opening the heart…" (another similar illustration on p. 152b). On p. 221a, large Lamnatzeach menorah illustration, and on following leaves, kavanot and secrets of the Lamnatzeach psalm and menorah.
On p. 68b: "Pidyon nefesh"; on p. 75b: "Amidah prayer arranged for the destruction of the enemies of Israel…" by R. Menachem Recanati; on p. 81a, Sefer HaCheshek; on leaves 99-100, illustrations of angelic seals; on leaves 101-116: "Shimush Tehillim" (with fine illustrations throughout); on leaves 164-180: "Shimush shel Torah"; on leaves 181-194: discussion of seasons and kabbalistic prayers for the success of various matters; on p. 242b: "Chapter on physiognomy"; on leaves 250-259: Goralot.
Leaves 260-278: Indexes of Segulot and cures in the manuscript, compiled by the scribe.
On the leaves at the beginning and end of the volume are inscriptions and additions in other hands, including handwritten additions by R. Refael Yeshayah Azulai, and additions by another writer in a script similar to that used by Livorno Torah scholars (such as R. Yosef Ergas or R. Malachi HaKohen). R. Yeshayah Azulai's additions appear on leaves 3-4, 6b, 259b, 279a, 281a. R. Yeshayah added Segulot, texts of amulets and Holy Names. In addition, several marginal inscriptions are in his handwriting. The second writer's additions appear on leaves 2a, 8a, 280b, as well as several glosses by this writer in the manuscript. At the top of p. 8b, next to one of the Segulot and amulets that he added, the second writer attributes it to his teacher "Ch. B. A." – which may be a reference to R. Chaim Ben Attar, author of Or HaChaim (who stayed in Livorno between 1739-1741).
R. Refael Yeshayah Azulai (1743-1826), eldest son of the illustrious R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai – the Chida, and a great Torah scholar in his own right. Born in Jerusalem, he served as rabbi, posek and leader of Italian Jewry in his times. Some of his halachic responsa were printed in his father's books, who honored and esteemed him and always mentioned him in terms of endearment and esteem ("my dear son", "my firstborn son, the perfect great sage", "the light of my eyes", "beloved of my soul"). After the death of R. Avraham Yisrael Rabbi of Ancona in 1785, the community leaders turned to the Chida who hinted that his son R. Refael Yeshayah was suitable for this position. He served as Rabbi of Ancona until his passing on 9th Shevat 1826 (at the age of 83, like his father). He was greatly honored at his death and was mourned by his community for a long time (for further information, see M. Benayahu's book on the Chida, pp. 476-487).
[281] leaves (several leaves missing throughout the manuscript; first leaf blank). 17 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Worming, mainly to inner margins, slightly affecting text, repaired with paper filling. New binding.
